1. Purpose and Objectives

These procedures outline the appropriate accounting measures and administration of property, plant and equipment that is managed and owned by the University.

2. Definitions, Terms, Acronyms

Acquisition - the purchase, construction and improvement of the asset.

Asset - an item, tangible or intangible, which is controlled by the University as a result of a past transaction or event and from which future economic benefits are expected to flow to the University.

Depreciation - the systematic allocation of the depreciable amount of an asset over its useful life.

Depreciable Amount - the cost of an asset, or other amount substituted for its cost, less its residual value.

Fair Value - the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.

Impairment loss - the amount by which the carrying amount of an asset exceeds its recoverable amount.

Interim revaluation - an incremental valuation of the asset undertaken using indexation or other reliable method.

Property, Plant and Equipment - tangible items that are held for use in the production or supply of goods or services, for rental to others, or for administrative purposes and are expected to be used during more than one period.

Revaluation - a formal valuation of the asset undertaken by a competent valuer.

Stocktake - the comparison of property, plant and equipment on hand to the Asset Register.

3. Procedures Scope/Coverage

The Head of each organisational unit is responsible for safeguarding property, plant and equipment directly under their control and for ensuring that the University's procedures in respect of those assets are carried out promptly and effectively.

4. Procedures Statement

The University recognises property, plant and equipment in accordance with:

Financial and Performance Management Standard 2009

Australian Accounting Standards

o AASB Framework for the Preparation and Presentation of Financial Statements.

The Chief Financial Officer would normally receive authority from the authorising party in respect of such transactions.

A register of land holdings is maintained by Corporate Finance within FBS.

6. Buildings

A building is defined as any structure that has a roof. The value of a building includes the cost of the building's major internal components, for example, lifts, lighting and electrical systems, ducted air conditioning systems, fans and doors; and any fees and other incidental expenditure associated with its construction or purchase excluding demolition and site clearing costs.

The Chief Financial Officer and the Director of Property and Facilities Division would normally receive authority from the authorising party in respect of such transactions.

A register of buildings is maintained for accounting purposes by Corporate Finance within FBS.

Progressively during the year, Property and Facilities Division will provide Corporate Finance with details of:

The purchase and completion of buildings;

Capital improvements to buildings; and

The disposal and demolition of buildings.

In addition, Property and Facilities Division will provide details of any buildings donated to the University annually, upon request.

7. Infrastructure and Land Improvement Assets

The value of the University’s infrastructure and land improvements is recorded on a register maintained by Corporate Finance within FBS. Property and Facilities Division will keep a record of the quantities held of various infrastructure and land improvement elements.

Disposals of infrastructure and land improvements are rare and will be taken up in any revaluation.

7.1 Infrastructure assets

Infrastructure assets are long-life physical assets that consist of an entire system or network, which provides the foundation to support the University's services. An infrastructure asset is primarily stationary in nature, purpose built, with a long useful service life, and is associated with a network or system.

Examples of infrastructure assets include the following:

Water and Wastewater Systems

Harbour and Port Facilities

Lighting Systems

Wharves

Dams

Bus Stations

Bridges

Road Networks

Electricity Supply Systems

Hangers

Gas Supply Systems/Networks

Runways

Pipelines

Sewerage Systems

Rail Network

7.2 Land improvement assets

Land improvements are long-life attachments to parcels of land that increase the land’s usefulness or value and have a limited useful life.

Examples of land improvement assets include the following:

Covered Play Areas

Roads, Footpaths, Paved Areas

Fountains

Outbuildings and Covered Ways

Landscaping and Improvements

Stormwater and Sewer Drainage

Sheds

Water and Gas Supply

Parking Lots (bitumen car parks)

Fire Protection Systems

Parking Barriers

Electric Light & Power

Retaining Walls

Communication Systems

Centralised Energy Systems

8. Heritage Assets

Only those assets that the University has a statutory obligation to preserve, for example places listed under the Queensland Heritage Act 1992, are regarded as heritage assets.

Heritage assets that provide operational service to the University are regarded as part of the generic asset class to which they belong and are recognised, recorded, revalued and depreciated on the basis applying to assets with the same functionality.

9. Library Collections

The value of the University’s library collections is recorded on a register maintained by Corporate Finance within FBS.

The University’s library collection includes the following:

9.1 Heritage collection

This collection comprises permanently retained materials with heritage, cultural or historic significance whose value does not diminish over time.

9.2 Reference collection

This collection comprises 80% (derived by Library staff based on their considered opinion) of the University's monographs. This collection is considered to have a longer useful life than the common use collection but items are not held indefinitely. If possible, items in this collection would generally be replaced if lost or damaged. Recognising that items in this collection may physically deteriorate over time, and that the incidence of access to items is greater in the earlier years, a diminishing value method of depreciation applies to this collection.

9.3 Common use collection

This collection comprises 20% (derived by Library staff based on their considered opinion) of the University's monographs, all print subscriptions (serials and publications) and all other reference material. Materials in this collection have a short useful life and are continually being updated and replaced. This collection is expensed in the year of purchase.

10. Museums and Other Collections (including Works of Art)

The collections of the Anthropology, Antiquities and Art museums will be valued at net fair value adjusted for any purchases, donations and deletions made. The value of each museum collection is recorded on a register maintained by Corporate Finance within FBS.

All items comprising a collection, excluding those received on loan, will be recorded on a catalogue maintained by the museum concerned and, where practical, be marked with a reference number to enable individual identification. The catalogue will preferably be typed or where available, maintained on a computer database system. The catalogue will be readily available for examination by Corporate Finance within FBS, Internal Audit and the External Auditor, upon request.

As minimum requirements, the catalogue will record the following particulars with respect to each individual item:

A detailed description of the item;

The date of purchase or procurement;

The means of acquisition (i.e. purchased, donated or collected by staff/students);

The name of the seller/donor/collector;

The original cost or, if donated/collected, the replacement value at the time of procurement;

The reference number;

The location of safekeeping, for example museum, other premises or safe.

New items are to be entered on the register immediately upon receipt.

Items can only be deleted from the register after receiving approval from the Chief Financial Officer.

Proper precautions are to be taken to ensure the protection of items from fire, theft, damage and deterioration. Appropriate arrangements are to be made to control access to the collection, particularly outside normal hours.

Organisational units are required to perform a stocktake of all museum items biennially. The objective of the stocktake is the attestation of the accuracy of the holdings as recorded on the museum's catalogue. Staff involved in the stocktake will ensure that all items are physically sighted. Stocktake lists are to be signed and dated by the persons performing the stocktake. The results of the stocktake, upon completion, should be reported to the Chief Financial Officer.

Suitable records are to be kept in respect of any item(s) received on loan from a person or body, including persons or entities within the University. Where the loan arrangement stipulates that the University is liable for the loan item(s), the Insurance Office is to be contacted prior to the acceptance of delivery of the item(s).

Suitable records are also to be kept in respect of any item(s) on loan to a person or body, including persons or entities within the University. Refer to PPL 9.70.01 Insurance regarding notification requirements.

11. Plant and Equipment

A register of computing equipment, motor vehicles and other plant and equipment is maintained by Corporate Finance within FBS.

11.1 Definition

Plant and equipment, hereafter referred to as equipment, is defined as any item of a permanent nature costing $5,000 (GST exclusive) or more and with a life expectancy of more than one year, except that:

Components to be used in the manufacture of an equipment item by an organisational unit are to be regarded as equipment where they meet the above criteria.

Items that meet the above criteria and are purchased for inclusion in a formal inventory holding, will not be recognised as equipment until they are issued or sold to organisational units.

The $5,000 (GST exclusive) threshold applies to individual items of equipment except where several related items, when considered collectively, constitute an item of equipment. For example, a piano and matching stool are to be regarded as one item.

Items that do not meet the definition of equipment are to be charged to a relevant expense account.

The following costs do not qualify as equipment and do not form part of the cost of equipment:

Equipment is purchased for use by outside organisations such as Co-operative Research Centres.

Equipment purchased in accordance with research or other grants or contracts (refer to individual agreements), remains the property of the granting or contracting entity, or is used by overseas or other organisations.

Equipment already registered in the Asset Management module is transferred internally for no charge.

Where a number of payments (for example deposit, instalments, and exchange rate adjustments) are made in respect of an item of equipment, each individual payment is to be recorded using the same Asset ID.

11.3.2 Purchased externally (in the current year)

Where equipment is purchased from an external supplier, it is to be recorded in conjunction with creating and receipting the purchase order using the UniFi eProcurement and Purchasing modules and processing the invoice using the UniFi Payables module. In such cases, the Asset Management module is automatically updated based on the information transferred from the eProcurement, Purchasing and Payables modules.

11.3.3 Constructed internally

Where equipment is to be constructed internally costs will be recorded against a project code and the asset will be capitalised when completed.

11.4 Retiring equipment

The procedures governing the disposal of equipment do not have any application in respect of the following:

Motor vehicles, which are to be disposed of by Fleet Services.

Equipment purchased under a research grant where the body providing the funds specifies particular procedures to be followed.

Equipment recorded in the Asset Management module can only be retired from the system when it is no longer in the physical possession of the University, or no future economic benefits are expected from its use or resale. Equipment cannot be retired merely because its depreciated value is less than $5,000, or it is in storage and not being used.

When equipment that is registered in the Asset Management module of UniFi is either sold or transferred at no cost by one organisational unit to another, it is not retired from the system. These transactions merely represent transfers between organisational units as the equipment at all times remains in the possession of the University.

Organisational units should ensure that sufficient information is retained in their records regarding the process undertaken to dispose of its assets. This documentation should be available for perusal by Internal Audit and/or External Auditors, upon request.

University data and software should be removed from all computer equipment prior to disposal.

All retirements must be properly authorised by the Head of the organisational unit.

11.4.1 Donated to body/individual external to the University

When contemplating donating equipment, the Head of the organisational unit must determine that the equipment is no longer of use to their unit, or any other unit in the University, or is unlikely to be so in the future.

When considering the donation of equipment to external bodies/individuals, staff must adhere to the principles of the University’s Code of Conduct.

It is not expected that University equipment would be donated to current or past employees or students irrespective of how its purchase was funded.

Organisational units should be aware that the donation of equipment to past, current or future employees may incur a fringe benefit cost. Organisational units should contact the Taxation Unit within FBS for further information.

After physical possession of the equipment has passed from the organisational unit (the donor) to the recipient, the equipment is to be retired from the Asset Management module.

11.4.2 Traded-in

11.4.3 Sold to body/individual external to the University

When considering the sale of equipment to external bodies/individuals, staff must adhere to the principles of the University's Code of Conduct.

Equipment should be sold for a price at least equivalent to the fair market value.

The costs of advertising, auctioning and any other costs associated with the sale of equipment shall be charged against the appropriate organisational unit account using the relevant expense account, and the GST on the costs of sale is to be recognised in the organisational unit’s GST clearing account.

For disposal by sale, the following general conditions shall apply and the purchaser shall be advised of them prior to the sale:

1. Inspection - The equipment shall be available for inspection by interested parties prior to purchase. Purchasers shall be aware that they purchase the goods at their own risk.

2. No Warranty Given - No warranty shall be given as to the quality of the equipment, or as to its fitness for any particular purpose, and, notwithstanding any representations made in respect of the equipment, it shall be advertised to be sold as and where it lies with all faults and with all errors and misstatements of description, measurement, quality or otherwise and the purchaser shall have no claim against the University in respect of any such faults, errors or misstatements.

3. Notwithstanding the above, all items offered for sale must be in a safe-to-use condition.

4. Payment - Payment for the equipment is to be made by cash, Bpay, direct deposit or bank cheque to the University before removal from the University.

5. Delivery - Unless otherwise agreed, delivery of the equipment shall be effected by the removal of the equipment by and at the expense of the purchaser at the time and from the place specified by the University.

6. Property and Risk - The property and risk in the equipment purchased shall pass to the purchaser immediately upon payment being made for the equipment.

Items recorded in the Asset Management module that are sold to a body/individual external to the University are to be retired from that system.

Refer to the UQ GST Guide in the Taxation Section of the FBS Website for the GST treatment on the sale of University assets.

Organisational units should be aware that there are specific GST issues relating to the sale of equipment to staff members. To minimise any potential GST issues it is important that the sale price of any item of University equipment sold to a staff member or an associate of a staff member be at least equivalent to the fair market value.

Organisational units should ensure that supporting documentation regarding the process undertaken to dispose of its assets (including the assessment of fair market value), is retained in the unit's records.

11.4.3.3 Proceeds of external sale

All money received as proceeds from the external sale of equipment is to be deposited with the University Cashier. All bank cheques are to be made payable to The University of Queensland.

11.4.3.4 Sold internally

Such transactions are not recorded in the Asset Management module as either additions or retirements of equipment. In terms of the Asset Management module, they are reflected as a change in organisational unit code.

11.4.4 Destroyed (accidentally/cannibalised) or obsolete

The Head of the organisational unit is responsible for ensuring that the disposal of equipment by destruction (including dumping) is carried out.

After, in the case of dumping, physical possession of the equipment has passed from the organisational unit, the equipment has been cannibalised for spare parts, or the equipment has been destroyed, the equipment is to be retired from the Asset Management module.

11.4.5 Returned to the supplier

Where equipment previously recorded in the Asset Management module is returned to the supplier, the equipment is to be retired from the system.

Any refund arising from the return of equipment due to unsuitability etc., is to be credited against the General Ledger account(s) from which the equipment was originally purchased. This applies whether the refund is received by way of credit note (processed through the Accounts Payable System), or a cheque to be deposited with the University Cashier.

Where the credit received for goods returned is less than the amount originally paid a General Ledger Journal is required to transfer the shortfall from the original General Ledger equipment account to a more appropriate expenditure account.

11.4.6 Stolen

Equipment that is stolen is to be retired from the Asset Management module.

11.4.7 Missing assets

An asset should only be marked as missing as part of the stocktake process if it cannot be located after a thorough investigation has been undertaken.

Assets that are recorded as missing in the stocktake will be retired from the Asset Management module in that same year.

11.5 Research equipment

11.5.1 Use of research equipment

Unless the grantor has imposed any conditions to the contrary, the Chief Investigator of a research project for which equipment has been purchased from a grant by an outside body has priority, ahead of all other persons, to use the equipment when it is required for the purposes of the project.

When the project ends, the Chief Investigator does not retain a prior right. The equipment may be transferred to another organisational unit, but normally remains in the organisational unit of the Chief Investigator, where its use will be subject to the directions of the Head of the unit.

For the purpose of the above paragraph, the project is normally deemed to end when the grant for the project ends. However, the Head of the organisational unit may permit the Chief Investigator priority of use for a reasonable time thereafter to wind up the project. Where the project is to continue being supported by funds from other sources, any continuing right of access accorded to the Chief Investigator will be as determined by the Head of the organisational unit.

11.5.2 Transfer of research equipment

Where:

a) A Chief Investigator:

(i) Has purchased equipment from a grant by an outside body, the conditions of which state that the equipment is the property of the University; and

(ii) During the currency of the grant resigns to take up a position at another institution with the intention of continuing the project there;

b) The granting body has approved the transfer of the grant to the other institution; and

c) The Chief Investigator requests approval to move the equipment to the other institution, an appropriate financial delegate authorised to approve that the item be retired from the Asset Management module will determine:

(i) Whether the equipment can be so moved; and

(ii) If so, whether the ownership of the equipment is to be passed to the other institution or be retained by the University.

Where the ownership of the equipment is to be passed to another institution, it will pass when the equipment is removed from the University to be transported to the other institution. At this point, the asset should be retired from the Asset Management module.

Where the ownership of the equipment is to be retained by the University, the location and custodian assigned to the asset should be updated directly in UniFi.

Approval of the removal of equipment to another institution is subject to the following conditions:

a) All costs of removal to the other institution will be borne by:

(i) The grant, if the conditions of the grant so permit and funds are available for the purpose in the grant; or

(ii) The other institution.

b) Where the University will retain the ownership of the equipment, the other institution will also pay all costs of returning the equipment to the University when the project ends and, if so required, reinstallation at its original site.

c) Costs of removal include the cost of any structural alterations or minor works necessary to remove the equipment from its site and, if occasion arises, to install the equipment when it is returned to its original site.

d) Insurance

(i) Where the ownership of the equipment is to be passed to another institution that institution is responsible for arranging all insurance it requires to cover the equipment from the time the equipment is removed from the University.

(ii) Where the University retains the ownership of the equipment, the University's insurance policy may cover the equipment while in transit to and from the other institution and while at that institution. Refer to PPL 9.70.01 Insurance regarding notification requirements.

When equipment is transferred to the University, these items are treated in the same manner as donations to the University and should be recorded in the Asset Management module.

11.5.3 Disposal of research equipment

University procedures for the disposal of equipment apply to all items purchased from research funds except for research equipment that, under the terms of the grant, may be disposed of only as directed by the grantor, and the revenue generated by the disposal returned to the grantor, in which case the terms of the grant will apply. Such equipment is not to be recorded in the Asset Management module.

Where the University’s procedures apply, the application of revenue shall be in accordance with the following principles:

a) When the research grant was a block grant to an organisational unit, the revenue shall be available to that unit.

b) When the research grant was for a specific project, the revenue shall be available to the organisational unit of which the Chief Investigator is a member.

c) In any case where, because of:

(i) The involvement of Joint Chief Investigators drawn from two or more organisational units;

(ii) The transfer of a Chief Investigator from one organisational unit to another between the time of purchase and time of disposal of the equipment; or

(iii) Any other reason it appears to the applicable Deputy Vice-Chancellor that more than one organisational unit is entitled to share the revenue,

The revenue shall be apportioned between those units in such shares as the Deputy Vice-Chancellor determines after consultation with the Chief Investigator and Heads of the organisational units concerned.

11.6 Loans

11.6.1 Inward loan, hire and testing

Equipment received on loan, on hire, for testing or for other temporary use is to be recorded by the organisational unit on a register or in some other suitable record. The register is to include, where applicable, name of owner, description of item, date received, location, period of loan or hire, and date of return to owner. An Inward Loan, Hire and Testing Register template can be used for this purpose.

Such items are not to be recorded in the Asset Management module of UniFi.

Where the loan arrangement stipulates that the University is liable for the loan item(s), the Insurance Office is to be contacted prior to the acceptance of delivery of the item(s).

This section does not apply to equipment that falls under the definition of leased assets.

11.6.2 Outward loan, hire and repair

All loans and hiring of equipment must be approved by the Head of the organisational unit.

Where appropriate, the Head of the organisational unit shall require that a formal agreement be prepared covering the lending of equipment to third parties. A formal agreement is to be prepared in all cases relating to the hiring of equipment. All formal agreements, prior to signing, should be forwarded to the Legal Office to ensure that the University is adequately protected.

In all cases of lending and hiring, a written acknowledgment is to be obtained from the borrower or hirer confirming that the equipment has been received in good order and condition.

Refer to PPL 9.70.01 Insurance regarding notification requirements in respect of all equipment that is going to be transported to and from the University.

Persons taking equipment off campus should be reminded that it is a requirement of the University insurer that all reasonable precautions must be taken to prevent loss, destruction or damage to the University property.

A register is to be kept by the organisational unit in respect of any items on loan, on hire or sent for repairs, to a person or body, including persons or entities within the University. The register is to include, where applicable, the name of borrower, hirer or repairer, description of item, asset ID, date, location, and period of loan or hire. An Outward Loan, Hire and Repair Register template can be used for this purpose.

The register is to be reviewed regularly to ensure that all items are returned within a reasonable period.

12. Work In Progress

Work in progress is defined as property, plant and equipment under construction, or in the process of being constructed, but yet to meet the recognition criteria of being in the location and condition necessary for it to be capable of operating in the manner intended by management. The asset recognition threshold is applied on the basis relating to assets that have the same functionality.

A register of work in progress is maintained for accounting purposes by Corporate Finance within FBS.

At the end of each month, Property and Facilities Division is to provide Corporate Finance with details of buildings and capital improvements under construction.

13. Leased Assets

AASB 117 Leases requires that assets acquired under finance leases be recognised initially at an amount equal to the fair value of the leased property or, if lower, the present value of the minimum lease payments, using the interest rate implicit in the original lease contract as the discount factor. A corresponding liability for the lease payments must also be recorded.

Assets acquired under a finance lease are subject to the same recognition thresholds and revaluation requirements as assets of the class to which the asset would belong if owned or otherwise controlled by the University.

A register of leased assets is maintained for accounting purposes by Corporate Finance within FBS.

Assets subject to operating leases are not controlled by the University and must not be recognised as assets.

14. Leasehold Improvements

Leasehold improvements are attachments to assets subject to finance and operating leases that increase the asset's usefulness or value, and have a limited useful life.

A register of leasehold improvements is maintained for accounting purposes by Corporate Finance within FBS.

15. Recognition

An asset is recognised when it is probable that future economic benefits will eventuate from the asset and its cost or value can be reliably measured.

In summary, the asset recognition thresholds are:

Land - $1

Buildings - $10,000

Infrastructure - $10,000

Land Improvements - $10,000

Library Collections - $1

Museum Collections - $1

Plant and Equipment - $5,000

Leasehold Improvements - $10,000

Items that fall below the relevant asset recognition threshold are expensed in the year of acquisition.

Actual cost is used for the initial recording of all asset acquisitions. Assets acquired at no cost or for nominal consideration are recognised at their fair value at the date of acquisition.

The cost of property, plant and equipment comprises the purchase price, including duties and non-refundable purchase taxes, plus any costs directly attributable to bringing the equipment to the location and condition necessary for its intended use. Examples of directly attributable costs include but are not limited to the following:

Costs of employee benefits (as defined in AASB 119 Employee Benefits) arising directly from the construction or purchase of the equipment;

Costs of site preparation;

Delivery and handling costs;

Installation and assembly costs;

Costs of testing whether the asset is functioning properly; and

Professional fees.

Where a discount or rebate has been received on the purchase of equipment, the discounted cost is to be taken up on the Asset Register.

GST is not included in the cost of an item of property, plant and equipment.

Costs to be expensed in the period in which they are incurred:

Costs incurred after an item of property, plant and equipment is in the location and condition necessary for it to be capable of being operated in the manner intended;

Costs incurred prior to asset recognition criteria being satisfied;

General administration costs;

Indirect overhead costs; and

Training costs.

16. Maintenance/Capital Expenditure

When costs are incurred in relation to an existing asset, it is necessary to distinguish between expenditure which relates to "repair and maintenance" of the asset as opposed to "capital improvement" of the asset.

Repairs and maintenance represent work performed to keep an asset in an operating condition, and to ensure that the service originally expected of the asset is obtained. Repairs and maintenance are expensed in the year they are incurred.

Capital improvements increase the asset's productive capacity, extend the economic life of the asset beyond that originally expected, or reduce the level of operating costs.

Expenditure on capital improvements is identified in respect of buildings, infrastructure assets and land improvement assets. Capital improvements are charged to the relevant asset General Ledger code, capitalised and depreciated on the same basis as the asset to which they relate.

Capital improvements to buildings include major additions and alterations to their shell or structure, for example the addition of an annexe, an additional floor, or a major refurbishment. Alternatively, repairs would include renovations, minor refurbishment, and replacing the internal components of buildings, for example removing and installing new partitions, rewiring, and painting.

Examples of capital improvements to infrastructure and land improvements would include enlarging a dam or lake, laying bitumen on a dirt car park or dirt road, and creating a new playing field. Repairs and maintenance expenditure would include rewiring a cable network, replacing pipes, and resurfacing a road or path.

When expenditure on capital improvements is capitalised the remaining carrying amount of the portion of the asset being "improved" must be derecognised.

17. Losses and Damages

With respect to loss or damage to property, plant and equipment refer to:

Both topics form part of the PPL and provide guidance in dealing with lost or damaged University property.

18. Impairment

All non-current assets must be assessed for indicators of impairment in accordance with AASB 136 Impairment of Assets.

Impairment is the decline in the future economic benefits or service potential of an asset, over and above the use reflected through depreciation. In general, an asset is impaired when its recoverable amount is less than its carrying amount.

The recoverable amount of an asset is determined as the higher of an asset’s net selling price (fair value less costs to sell) and its value in use. The Queensland Treasury and Trade Non-Current Asset Policies for the Queensland Public Sector prescribes the value in use for not-for-profit agencies as the depreciated replacement cost of the asset.

A review for impairment indicators is performed and documented annually by Corporate Finance within FBS. All asset classes are reviewed for indicators of impairment.

Physical assets will only be tested for impairment if there are indicators of impairment. Formal estimates of the recoverable amount of an asset are not required if no indicators of impairment are identified.

If an asset is impaired, it will be written down and an impairment loss recorded. This is applicable to all asset classes with the exception of computing equipment, motor vehicles, and other plant and equipment; when these classes of assets are impaired they are retired as scrapped or written off as damaged. Assets disposed of as damaged will be reported in the Financial Statements as a loss to the University.

18.1 Recording an impairment loss

An impairment loss is recognised immediately in profit or loss unless the asset is carried at a revalued amount. When an asset is measured at a revalued amount the impairment loss is to be treated in the same way as a revaluation decrement, i.e. offset against the asset revaluation surplus to the extent available.

Following the recognition of an impairment loss, the depreciation/amortisation charge for the asset is to be adjusted in future periods to allocate the asset’s revised carrying amount, less its residual value (if any), on a systematic basis over its remaining useful life.

18.2 Reversing an impairment loss

An impairment loss can be reversed for all assets other than goodwill.

At each reporting date, an agency must assess whether there is any indication that a previously recognised impairment loss may no longer exist, or may have decreased. If an indication exists, the agency must again determine recoverable amount.

An impairment loss can only be reversed if there has been a change in the estimates used to determine the asset’s recoverable amount since the last impairment loss was recognised, i.e.

A change in the basis for recoverable amount (i.e. whether recoverable amount is based on fair value less costs to sell or value in use);

If recoverable amount was based on value in use, a change in the amount or timing of estimated future cash flows, or in the discount rate; or

If recoverable amount was based on fair value less costs to sell, a change in estimate of the components of fair value less costs to sell.

In reversing an impairment loss the same rules apply as to those when impairment losses are initially recognised, in that the reversal is recognised immediately in profit and loss, unless the asset is carried at a revalued amount in which case the reversal is treated as a revaluation increase.

When reversing the impairment loss of an individual asset the increased carrying amount must not exceed the carrying amount that would have been determined had no impairment loss been recognised. As a result, agencies must ensure that they maintain a record of the value of the asset exclusive of the impairment loss.

19. Depreciation

Items of property, plant and equipment other than land, work in progress, the library heritage collection, and the museums and other collections (including works of art), are depreciated over their estimated economic useful lives either using the straight line or diminishing value method.

In summary, the depreciation rates and methods used are:

Buildings - 1% to 10% straight line

Infrastructure - 1% to 5% straight line

Land Improvements - 1% to 10% straight line

Library Reference Collection - 15% diminishing value

Plant and Equipment:

Computing Equipment - 20% straight line

Motor Vehicles - 15% straight line

Other Plant and Equipment - 10% straight line

Leased assets and leasehold improvements are depreciated over either the unexpired period of the lease, or the useful lives of the assets or improvements, whichever is the shorter. Where there is reasonable certainty that the University will obtain ownership of a leased asset by the end of the lease term, the leased asset should be depreciated over its useful life.

Depreciation for buildings, leasehold improvements, and the library reference collection will be calculated from the year after acquisition. Depreciation for all other property, plant and equipment will be calculated from the month after acquisition. Depreciation is taken up until the item is fully depreciated, or until the month of retirement, whichever is the earliest.

AASB 116 Property, Plant & Equipment requires that the residual value, useful life and depreciation method of an asset be reviewed at least at the end of each annual reporting period. If expectations differ from previous estimates (i.e. expectations with respect to the depreciable amount, useful life or pattern of consumption of the asset) the consequential change in the rate of depreciation is to be accounted for as a change in accounting estimate.

Corporate Finance within FBS undertake an annual review of the useful lives and residual values for each asset class at reporting date.

20. Valuations

20.1 Acquisition at other than fair value

Assets acquired at no cost or for a nominal consideration, such as assets donated to the University, must be recognised at fair value as at the date of acquisition.

The objective of valuing these assets is to report on the value of economic benefits embodied in the asset.

The University of Queensland’s view is that fair value is the most relevant measurement attribute for assets. Purchase price is the most common basis for determining “fair value”.

All organisational units who manage these assets are responsible for ensuring that all assets are listed and assigned a value on the Asset Register.

20.2 Assets withdrawn permanently from use

An asset is withdrawn permanently from use when it has not been used for 12 months or more, has a carrying amount material to the relevant asset class and there are no plans to reinstate the asset to use.

An asset withdrawn permanently from use should be valued at selling price or scrap value.

The valuation of an asset held at fair value withdrawn permanently from use should be dealt with as an impairment.

21. Revaluations

Non-current assets measured at fair value are revalued at intervals of no greater than four years by appraisals undertaken by an independent professional valuer or internal expert. However, if the nature of the assets is such or an event causes a material movement in the value of the asset or class thereof, revaluations may be performed more frequently.

The Queensland Treasury and Trade Non-Current Asset Policies for the Queensland Public Sector require that interim revaluations of assets measured at fair value be performed on an annual basis, except in the year in which a full revaluation has been carried out. These interim revaluations are to be carried out using an appropriate and relevant revaluation index as determined by an appointed valuer, where practicable. Interim revaluations are only applied when there is a material movement in the index.

Assets are not revalued in the year of acquisition on the basis that they are purchased or constructed at fair value.

In summary, the asset values are recorded as follows:

Land - Fair value

Buildings - Fair value

Infrastructure - Fair value

Land Improvements - Fair value

Library Heritage Collections - Fair value

Library Reference Collections - Average cost of purchase over five years

Museum Collections - Fair value

Plant and Equipment - Cost

Work In Progress - Cost

Leasehold Improvements - Cost

In the case of land, buildings, infrastructure and land improvements, the recorded valuation is based on the gross current value assessed at current market value, or where no depth of market can be established, at replacement cost.

All revaluations need to be co-ordinated by Corporate Finance within FBS in accordance with the Queensland Treasury and Trade Non-Current Asset Policies. However, carrying out this task is the responsibility of the responsible officer within the organisational unit. Upon receiving such a request, the Head of the organisational unit will nominate a valuer who should be a person with appropriate professional qualifications. The Chief Financial Officer will be advised of the name and qualifications of the valuer prior to the commencement of the valuation. After completion of the valuation, a copy of the valuation report signed and dated by the valuer will be submitted to the Chief Financial Officer.

Comprehensive valuation procedures are available. To obtain a copy contact the Assets Unit within FBS.

On revaluation, accumulated depreciation is restated proportionately with the change in the gross carrying amount of the asset so that the carrying amount of the asset after revaluation equals its revalued amount.

Any revaluation surplus is credited to a revaluation reserve included in the equity section of the Statement of Financial Position unless it reverses a revaluation decrease of the same class of asset previously recognised in profit or loss.

Any revaluation deficit is recognised in profit or loss unless it directly offsets a previous surplus from the same class of asset in the revaluation reserve and a positive balance exists in the revaluation reserve.

22. Stocktake

The University, under State Government legislation, is required to verify the existence of all assets held by the University on a regular basis. Assets refers to all items of property, plant and equipment covered under these procedures; inventories; and portable and attractive items.

The University of Queensland has mandated a practice of undertaking physical stocktakes of assets on a biennial cycle. Work in progress, land, buildings, infrastructure and land improvement assets, and the library collections, are not included as part of the biennial stocktake.

Refer to PPL 9.50.01 Inventories regarding the stocktake of inventories and “10. Museums and Other Collections (including Works of Art)” of these procedures regarding the stocktake of the museum collection.

All Heads of organisational units are responsible for ensuring that this stocktake is performed by their unit.

The stocktake provides an opportunity to review asset holdings, and identify any obsolete or unused assets not already disposed of during the year.

All organisational units are notified biennially by Corporate Finance within FBS of the need to undertake a stocktake.

Corporate Finance within FBS are responsible for the co-ordination of the biennial stocktake. This includes document preparation, monitoring of compliance and analysing stocktake results.

Each asset listed is to be physically sighted with the exception of assets that are detected remotely over the network using asset verification software. Assets that have logged on to the network in the two months preceding the organisational unit's stocktake are considered to be sighted. All assets sighted are to be noted. Stocktake certificates are to be signed and dated by the persons performing the stocktake.

A consistent approach should be maintained in regards to the biennial stocktake, and where practical, should be conducted by two or more nominated responsible officers, at least one of whom does not control or maintain the organisational unit Asset Register.

Assets that are unable to be located after a thorough investigation are considered to be missing and will be removed from the Asset Register.

After completion of the stocktake, the stocktake certificate must be authorised by the Head of the relevant organisational unit and forwarded to the Assets Unit within FBS.

Comprehensive stocktake procedures are available. To obtain a copy contact the Assets Unit within FBS.

23. Held for Sale

Non-current assets should be classified as held for sale if their carrying amount will be recovered principally through a sale transaction rather than through continuing use in accordance with AASB5 Non-current Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations.

In order to be classified as held for sale, an asset must be available for immediate sale in its present condition and the sale must be highly probable and expected to occur within one year.

An asset classified as held for sale should be measured at the lower of its carrying amount and fair value less costs to sell.

An asset ceases to be classified as held for sale if it no longer meets the criteria to be classified as held for sale. The asset should then be measured at the lower of its carrying amount before it was classified as held for sale, adjusted for any depreciation, amortisation or revaluations that would have been recognised had the asset not been classified as held for sale, and its recoverable amount at the date of the decision not to sell.

24. Derecognition

The carrying amount of an item of property, plant and equipment is derecognised upon disposal, or when no future economic benefits are expected from the continued use or disposal of the asset.

When an asset is sold and its selling price varies from the carrying amount, a gain or loss occurs which must be recognised in profit or loss.

If an asset is scrapped for no consideration before it is fully depreciated, the carrying amount of the asset represents a loss on disposal that must be expensed.